Biscuit

I've done games with the stopwatch, and I really, really don't like it. Why? Because when I go to run and make a call it's just awkward. I'm sure I could get used to it, but I've spent so many hours refining my mechanics, and you have to change it with the stopwatch. Being hip mounted made the ref smart worth it for me. That being said, I just got off a high school basketball court where they're employing a second clock operator to do the shot clock... It was a Sophmore game. Colleges really can't out ine more person in the press box to run the pitch clock? Really?

Many, many, many times.

I don't know, but I'm scared for when my pair dies... I can't wear New Balance.

Oh, you NEED to get in contact with United Umpires if you're out in that neck of the woods. They are a phenomenal group run by and for umpires. They are changing the way umpire training is done, and you're right where they are there. They assign a bunch of college stuff out there (if you're looking for that), but they also do a bunch of youth stuff in the Atlanta area. Connot reccomend them enough.

I think technically, you are correct (the best kind of correct), we can never 100% know unless they tell us... But as umpires the rules require us to know. Anytime you make a ruling based on intent you could be wrong, but that's part of the job. Umpires are asked to do the impossible (be perfect) a lot. One of the reasons it's impossible is for precisely the reason you've pointed out. On this play, intent to interfere with the play actually happening is required. Running inside isn't interfering with any play until there is an actual play being made. So, until the fielder throws the ball (or, as a CYA for my statement, perhaps gets ready to throw the ball) there is no play to interfere with. If, after the throw has been made, the runner who knows where the ball is deviates to get in the way, that's interference. But if the deviation happens before, there is nothing to interfere with.

Ah, not sure why I said in the field (as I also don't carry an indicator on the bases). In the case of it being in-between, I just flip it to the next number, and if needs be, I will rotate it two or three time (depending on which wheel it is) to get it to where it needs to be. No looking necessary. I honestly can't think of a single reason I would need to look at an all star.

Yep, pulled out the manual last night and taht is what I'm referring to. It makes sense to me that the same concept would apply, but I've never seen it in writing, and I've never been taught it.

Why? I will literally go multiple games in a row without ever looking at my indicator while in the field. I don't keep track of innings on my indicator, and just by feel, I know exactly the state of the other three wheels

It's difficult... But I've seen it done.

Oh man, I need to go back to pro school or go dig out my MiLB manual... There are cases where you adjust the award based on the runner correcting their base running mistakes. I distinctly remember awarding runners home on a dead ball, then, when they go back and correct a mistake, changing the award. I cannot for the life of me remember when that is. Any help before I go find the manual?

I strongly, strongly disagree with the notion that you have a better look at bang bang plays at first from B. Like, I can't begin to express how much I disagree. A shoukd stay literally for the sole reason of taking plays at first.

This for sure. If you don't like looking at your indicator, get an All-Star and spend the 15 minutes it takes to learn the grooves well. You will NEVER go back.

Or, if that doesn't work, wait for your partner on the plate (who does have an indicator) to give the count. It's probably something I should work on, but I basically never know the count on the bases... It hasn't screwed me up yet. If I have a scorboard I'll peak it occasionally.

At the levels @JSam21 works, if it happens more than, realisticly, once, it's intentional. Those kinds of catchers don't just hit batters when making a rutine throw back to the catcher, and they certainly don't do it multiple times. If it were to happen because a catcher is incredibly... I don't know, lazy? Indifferent and not paying attention? The coach would probably address it. It's basically not a thing that you'd ever have to deal with at that level. In the incredibly unlikely case of it actually happening multiple times at the collegiate level, my honest reaction would be "Dude, really?", letting him know not to be hitting batters, but I wouldn't tell him how to not hit batters. He knows how, and I'm not coaching.

The reslurce that helped me the most before finding this forum (seriously, this site has been the number one resource for me getting better) is umpire Bible. They have extensive articles on... Most aspects you need to know to be where you need to be and understand your responsibilities in the two umpire system, as well as the rules you need to know as an umpire but maybe didn't as a coach. It's not perfect, but for beginners it's an incredible resource!